US seeks $30 billion for air traffic control upgrades

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy disclosed on Tuesday that he plans to seek $30 billion in funding from Congress for essential air traffic control upgrades, according to a report by Investing.com. The announcement came during a speech in Washington, where Duffy emphasized the need to address how the country has evolved and the changing requirements at airports.

The funding request was prompted by a significant telecom failure on Monday that caused widespread disruptions along the east coast, affecting numerous flights.

The proposed $30 billion budget is earmarked for several key areas, including $10 billion designated for replacing outdated air traffic control towers and an additional $10 billion allocated for telecom and other technological systems critical for air traffic control. A portion of the funding would also support the expansion of a new software-based system, which the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiated on Monday. This system utilizes predictive analytics to enhance flight management processes.

A recent government report highlighted the necessity for Congress to approve further funding to complete the first phase of the air traffic control program. The report also underscored the FAA's requirement for a more precise estimate of the operating costs associated with the new system.